New trends for the new term

It's been a good few years since I left the world of education, and yet I always get that new term feeling once the last August weekend has passed. The holidays are over, the strange sweets from foreign airports consumed, and we all desperately search for the next thing to look forward to. For makeup fans, the start of term is something that gets them through these post-holiday blues because the new collections are trickling into shops and the trends are there to be studied. So let's take a minute to do some advanced reading and pick three new term trends that might work for us in real life.

Bold accentsEvery season I feel like there's some bright colour trend that would only transfer to a handful of teenage fashion students from Central Saint Martins. But this year us ordinary folk could be in luck. Pockets of bold colour were seen either on eyes or lips - not both at the same time, thankfully, and not too crazy, either. Our professor in this subject is Pat McGrath, Global Creative Director for Max Factor. For the Anna Sui models, McGrath created a gorgeous retro flick of purple liner on the upper lid (and also a dot in the middle of the lower but let's make this optional). At Nina Ricci, it was the lips that did the talking with McGrath creating a beautifully deep crimson on fresh faced models. It's a look that's surprisingly easy to wear for all skin tones. It's just a question of finding the right red for you.

Michael Kors autumn/winter 2012 Photograph: Richard Drew/AP

Vintage EnglishThis subject has variations on the main theme depending on who you're listening to. Also known as, 'Healthy Glow' or 'Modern Neutrals', this look is very user-friendly. In fact you may well be rocking the look already without consciously trying. In which case, A* to you. If not, it's really quite simple. Take inspiration from the looks created by Dick Page for the Michael Kors show using Shiseido. The cheeks had a rosy flush, eyes were left almost bare with a slight emphasis on the brow, and lips were given a stained red look. Basically, it's about looking like you've just come in from the cold without actually being out in the cold in the first place.

Graphic eyesIt's no secret that I'm a massive fan of black eyeliner but I always do the same flicky shape and so it's time for change. Terry Barber, MAC's director of artistry, coined the term 'Arti-tech' for this trend of new shapes for eyeliner. Weird and wonderful lines were drawn on the eyes at Aquascutum, Erdem and Moschino to name just three. They may look a little daunting at first but a bit of practice and we'll all be top of the class at eyeliner control in no time. Our tip from teacher Terry? Apply the eyeliner and then re-shape by removing with cotton wool and eye makeup remover. It's easier than building up line after line.

New launch news

There's a lot of love for NARS makeup, and as of this weekend, there's going to be a lot more with the launch of a new collection of skincare, NARSskin. In sleek white packaging, the products are top quality. My pick of the range is the Aqua Gel Luminous Mask which I've been using religiously every night after cleansing. It's already taken the place of my previously beloved night serum/night cream combo. Aqua Gel Luminous Mask, £27, narscosmetics.co.uk from September 1st